May 2018

TODAY’S India is in extreme and intense reflection, a burning contemplation, both within individuals and within the society. This is because the Constitution seems to be in confrontation with Religion, society with faith, and politicians with people. In 2019, the people of the country will decide whether they wish to be ruled by the Constitution or Religion. The Indian Constitution mandates an absolute separation between the State and Religion, and the absolute right of the electorate to decide its fate. But the controllers of political and religious powers wish to make Religion more supreme than the Constitution. They want to construct a Theocratic State, like the neighbouring Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which was formed largely on the basis of religious identity, and in opposition to the majority Hindus in the non-partitioned subcontinent.

The Indian citizen will need to answer foundational questions that will decide the shape of the society in this century. Should the Constitution continue to rule the society and nation? Should Religion decide? Should faith, which is intensely personal and a matter of individual choice, be imposed on all the citizens? Who will be the future rulers and emperors of India—politico-religious leaders or people committed to the Constitution? In fact, should India remain a secular democracy, or transform into a theocratic State? Do we need to change the Constitution?